Modular and flexible service frame enclosure

ABSTRACT

An earthquake resistant frame structure which is shippable in a fully populated condition has a base member, a plurality of support members extending from the base member, a top portion disposed over the ends of the support members, a extension member disposed over the top portion, side stiffeners positioned perpendicularly between the support members, and a tie down assembly system positioned between the base member and a flooring surface. The extension member has a platform section and at least two legs depending substantially perpendicularly therefrom that slidingly engage the support members. The two legs have slots therethrough configured to receive fasteners that, when secured to support members, secure and maintain the extension member in position. First and second panels protrude laterally from the frame structure to form an extension area, from which a bracket hingedly depends. A variety of pin arrangements are used to prevent the removal of the bracket from the hinge. The tie down system includes a floor plate positionable between the frame structure and the flooring surface, a fastener extending through the frame structure, through the floor plate, and into the flooring surface, a leveling element positioned between the floor plate and the flooring surface to level the frame structure, and insulators positioned between the fastener and the leveling element to attenuate vibration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a frame structure for housingelectronic equipment, and, more particularly, to an earthquake resistantsupport frame for electronic equipment.

[0002] Electronic equipment, which may be mainframe computers,information technology equipment, telecommunications circuitry, airtraffic control systems, or similar equipment, generally comprisessophisticated and delicate components assembled in a manner such thatthe electrical and mechanical connections therebetween are delicate andsubject to interruption of the continuous flow of electronic data as aresult of the loss of the connection. Continuous flow of electronic datathrough the electronic equipment is often of critical importance to asystem and can lead to detrimental results in the event of aninterruption of that flow. Frame retention systems that form an integralpart of electronic equipment systems are designed to ensure thecontinuous flow of data and are utilized to curtail the likelihood ofdamage to electronic equipment that may result from either man-made ornatural vibratory motion.

[0003] The vibratory forces generated by an earthquake or other seismicshock activity can often be of a sufficient magnitude to break thephysical connections between the electrical and mechanical components.Various degrees of protection can be afforded to electronic equipment inorder to prevent or limit the amount of damage that can potentiallyresult from seismic activity. Frame retention systems in the form ofaseismic support structures and methods of securement have beendeveloped and are used within the electronics industry to compensate forthe vibrations resulting from this seismic activity.

[0004] In order to prevent the interruption of the flow of data, theelectronic equipment should be installed and secured in such a manner soas to withstand or resist the vibratory forces that may detrimentallyaffect the connections. It is a normal practice within the electronicindustry, as known from the prior art, to contain the electronicequipment within a frame-like structure and secure the structure to abase, which is usually fixedly secured to the floor. The frame-likestructure, as well as the base, is usually modular; however, thesections involved are typically of massive size and weight toaccommodate the large vibratory forces generated by earthquakes. Whilethis method is straightforward and effective, the structures involved,viz., the frame itself as well as the base, are often costly tomanufacture and do not lend themselves to being conveniently moved tothe site of installation. Moreover, this method fails to address theproblem of relocation of the equipment.

[0005] Another method of preventing interruption of data flow is throughthe use of less rigid structures that allow the frame to flexibly shiftunder the vibratory forces generated by earthquakes. In particular, oneapproach is to mount casters on an underside of the frame to allow theframe free access to movement over a surface. Normally, the casters canbe braked such that the frame is prevented from movement during normaluse. If vibratory forces of a sufficient and predetermined magnitude aresensed and experienced by the frame, the caster braking system can bereleased so that the movement of the frame absorbs the energy of theearthquake. The use of casters as support members, however, contributesto the instability of the frame as vibratory forces are experienced. Inthe event of a significant earthquake, the vibrations generated may besufficient to cause the frame to tip over.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An electronic equipment frame having an integrated earthquakerestraint system is needed that is of a manageable size and weight. Theinventive frame is a flexible structure being adjustable vertically withrespect to a level plane of a flooring surface to accommodate electronicequipment of heights variable between 36 units EIA and 42 units EIAloaded at up to 35 pounds per unit EIA. The structure may be modified toaccommodate electronic equipment of heights that are greater than 42units EIA. An optional brace, when properly secured, renders the framecapable of withstanding a higher NEBS rating and, in one embodiment ofthe invention, an NEBS GRE-63 Zone 4 earthquake rating. Without thebrace, the frame is capable of withstanding NEBS GRE Zone 1 and Zone 2earthquake ratings. Furthermore, the inventive frame is mountable toeither a raised or a non-raised flooring surface using a leveler and tiedown system that ensures a uniform height over a level area of theframe, induces a pre-stress load over the flooring surface, and providesadequate insulation and vibrational attenuation to the electroniccomponents. The floor mounting plate is easily accessible to allow theframe to be easily moved.

[0007] An earthquake resistant frame structure has abase member, aplurality of support members extending normally from the base member,atop portion disposed over the end portions of the support members, aextension member disposed over the top portion, side stiffenerspositioned perpendicularly between the support members, and a tie downassembly system positioned between the base member and a flooringsurface. The extension member has a platform section and at least twolegs depending substantially perpendicularly therefrom that slidinglyengage the support members. The two legs have slots or holestherethrough configured to receive fasteners that, when secured to thesupport members, secure and maintain the extension member in position.

[0008] First and second panels protrude laterally from the framestructure to form an extension area, from which a bracket hingedlydepends. The bracket, which is generally triangular in shape, isremovably attached to the first panel. Removal of the bracket can beprevented by the installation of a locking hinge assembly. The lockinghinge assembly is an L-shaped hinge having a first end pivotallyreceived on the first panel and secured thereto. A second end of theL-shaped hinge is fixedly attached to the bracket. A variety of pinarrangements are used to prevent the removal of the bracket from theL-shaped hinge. The edge of the bracket that is distal from the hingededge is securable to the second panel using a plate and bolt assembly.

[0009] The extension member includes a platform section and a pluralityof legs depending from the platform section. Each leg includes openingstherein that are engageble with corresponding openings in the framestructure. The extension member is securable to the frame structure bythe insertion of fasteners extending through the openings in the legsand into the corresponding openings in the frame structure. Typically,the fasteners are bolts that are received through the openings in thelegs and are threaded into the corresponding openings in the framestructure.

[0010] The tie down system includes at least one floor platepositionable between the frame structure and the flooring surface. Afastener extends through the frame structure, through the floor plate,and into the flooring surface. A leveling element is positioned betweenthe floor plate and the flooring surface to level the frame structure,and insulators are positioned between the fastener and the levelingelement to damp vibration.

[0011] The above-described inventive frame also enables an electronicsystem to be shipped fully populated. Casters are rollably fixed to thebottom of the frame, thereby allowing the frame to be easily rolledduring shipment onto and off of a transport device and rolled to itsfinal delivery location. Installation of the frame using the levelingelements, which are threaded such that the frame can be raised andlowered by articulating the leveling elements, allows the casters toremain secured to the bottom of the frame after the frame is mounted tothe floor plates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is perspective view of the flexible frame tie downretention system, or frame, of the present invention.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a support member of the frame,of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of two side stiffeners of theframe, of the present invention.

[0015]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the frame, of thepresent invention, showing the top portion and the extension member, ofthe present invention.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the frame, of the presentinvention, mounted on rollable casters.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the frame, of the presentinvention, showing a triangular bracket of the frame, of the presentinvention, in an open position.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the triangular bracket of theframe, of the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 8A through FIG. 8E are perspective views of variousembodiments of a hinge locking system of the triangular bracket of theframe, of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a tie down assembly, ofthe present invention, integrated with a base member of the frame, ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, the inventive integrated flexible frame tiedown retention system for raised and non-raised floor applications isshown generally at 10 and is hereinafter referred to as “frame 10”.Frame 10 is an open box-like structure and comprises a plurality ofsupport members 12 arranged in a parallel configuration to form theedges of frame 10. The length of one side of the box-like structure istypically less than adjacent sides of the box-like structure, thusgiving the box-like structure a substantially rectangular crosssectional shape. In a preferred embodiment, frame 10 is oriented suchthat support members 12 are positioned vertically with respect to alevel plane of a flooring surface (not shown). In FIG. 2, a crosssectional view of support member 12 illustrates the configuration ofeach individual wall element of support member 12. While only onesupport member is referenced below, additional support members aresimilarly configured. Support member 12 comprises four walls 14, 16, 18,20, each being individually shaped and assembled to impart optimumstrength to frame 10. In a preferred embodiment, walls 14, 16, 18, 20are fastened together preferably by welding or riveting.

[0022] First wall, shown generally at 14, comprises an L-shaped memberhaving a shorter leg 22 and a longer leg 24. The side of longer leg 24that is opposite the direction of projection of shorter leg 22 forms anexterior surface of support member 12 that faces away from frame 10. Aportion of longer leg 24 extends beyond the point at which second wall16 engages first wall 14 to form a flange 25.

[0023] Second wall, shown generally at 16, comprises a flat member 26having a ridge 28 disposed therein and an edge that is bent to form alip 30. Ridge 28 is of a semi-circular cross section and extends along alengthwise plane of flat member 26. Lip 30 likewise extends along thesame lengthwise plane of flat member 26 parallel to ridge 28 and is bentin the same direction that ridge 28 projects out of the plane of flatmember 26. Second wall 16 is fixedly connected to shorter leg 22 offirst wall 14 such that second wall 16 intimately engages the surface ofshorter leg 22 of first wall 14 that faces away from longer leg 24 offirst wall 14. The side of flat member 26 that is opposite of thedirection in which ridge 28 projects forms another exterior surface ofsupport member 12 that faces away from frame 10.

[0024] Third wall, shown generally at 18, comprises two flat planarmembers 32, 34 connected such that the plane of first flat planar member32 is offset from the plane of second flat planar member 34. A lip 36 isformed along the outer edge of first flat planar member 32. The opposingedge of third wall 18, which is the outer edge of second flat planarmember 34, is also bent to form a lip 38 positioned to be ninety degreesrelative to the plane of second flat planar member 34. Third wall 18 isfixedly connected to first wall 14 such that third wall 18 is parallelto second wall 16 and such that a surface of lip 38 intimately engagesthe surface of longer leg 24 of first wall 14 that faces shorter leg 22of first wall 14.

[0025] Fourth wall, shown generally at 20, comprises a flat planarmember positioned between second wall 16 and third wall 18. Fourth wall20 is perpendicularly situated to second wall 16 and third wall 18 andis parallel to first wall 14. Lip 30 of second wall 16 and lip 36 ofthird wall 18 serve to hold fourth wall 20 in place therebetween.

[0026] Referring back to FIG. 1, side stiffeners, shown generally at 40,are positioned perpendicularly between and fixedly secured to adjacentlypositioned support members 12 forming the longer side of the box-likestructure of frame 10. Side stiffeners 40 are likewise positioned on theopposing longer sides of frame 10. Side stiffeners 40 are substantiallyL-shaped members having a plurality of openings 42 disposed throughoutthe surfaces thereof in order to facilitate the circulation of airaround frame 10 and electronic equipment (not shown) housed within frame10. Each side stiffener 40 is positioned such that the orientationthereof is varied with respect to adjacent side stiffeners 40. Thisvariation in orientation serves to impart added strength to frame 10 byreinforcing support members 12.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 3, two side stiffeners 40 are illustrated incross sectional view, as they would be positioned adjacently betweensupport members 12. The outer edges of L-shaped members are bent atninety-degree angles. As previously stated, side stiffeners 40 shown areoriented differently between support members 12 to impart added strengthto frame 10.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, a extension member is shown generallyat 44. Extension member 44 is movably positioned on the ends of supportmembers 12 over atop portion 43 fixed to frame 10. Extension member 44comprises a platform section 48, which is a flat planar surfacehorizontal with the level plane of the flooring surface when frame 10 isoriented in an upright position, and at least two legs 45 dependingperpendicularly from the edges of platform section 48 to fit overopposing sides of frame 10. Extension member 44 is slidably positionedover the ends of support members 12 and is secured into place byfasteners such as bolts (not shown) extending through elongated slots 47or holes (not shown) in legs 45 and tightening the bolts. Loosening thebolts allows the height of frame 10 to be adjusted by sliding extensionmember 44 vertically so that slots 47 are traversed by the loosenedbolts. Retightening the bolts resecures extension member 44 in position.When positioned in a vertical orientation with respect to the flooringsurface, the height of frame 10 is variable between 36 units EIA and 42units EIA or higher. Numerous vent holes 50 perforate top portion andextension member 44 to allow air to circulate thereby causing heat todissipate from frame 10 when frame 10 is operational with electronicequipment. The securement of height-extending cover 44 to the upper endsof all support members strengthens and improves the structural integrityof frame 10.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, a base member is shown generally at46. Base member 46 is a flat planar member adapted to intimately engagethe level plane of the flooring surface and provide a surface upon whichsupport members 12 rest. Casters, shown at 53 in FIG. 5, are well knownin the art and are securable to the flooring surface side of base member46 in order to facilitate the rolling of frame 10. Casters installed onthe underside of frame 10 allow frame 10 to be fully assembled andpopulated at one site and shipped on a transport device such as a truckor train, etc. to an installation site without being loaded onto apallet (not shown). Once the populated frame 10 reaches its destination,frame 10 can be anchored to the flooring surface, as described below,with casters 53 left in place.

[0030] Base member 46 also provides a means to which tie down assemblysystems (described below with reference to FIG. 9) can be fixed tosecurely anchor frame 10 to the flooring surface. The securement of basemember 46 to the lower ends of support members 12 further strengthensand improves the structural integrity of frame 10 in a manner similar tothat accomplished by extension member 44.

[0031] Also illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 is an extension area, showngenerally at 51. When frame 10 is vertically oriented relative to theflooring surface, extension area 51 is disposed on a shorter edge offrame 10. Extension area 51 comprises a first panel 54 and a secondpanel 56, each extending from two support members 12 that define theshorter edge of frame 10. Panels 54, 56 are secured in a parallel planarrelationship with each other and extend between and are attached toextension member 44 and base member 46. Cable holes 58 are formed inpanels 54, 56 to enable cables (not shown) to be snaked betweenpluralities of frames 10 positioned side by side. Belt loop holes 59 arealso formed in panels 54, 56, which can be used to secure the cables topanels 54, 56 using a belt (not shown) or a similar means of securement.

[0032]FIG. 1 also illustrates a triangular bracket, shown generally at60. Triangular bracket 60 is hingeably connected to first panel 54 andcan swing outward and away from frame 10, as shown in FIG. 6, to allowaccess to electronic equipment mounted within frame 10. A hinged door 61may be positioned over triangular bracket 60. The addition of triangularbracket 60 on frame 10 converts frame 10 from a structure able towithstand vibratory forces comparable to those of NEBS GRE-63 Zone 1 andZone 2 earthquakes to a structure capable of withstanding more severeenvironments such as those comparable to NEBS GRE-63 Zone 4 earthquakes.Triangular bracket 60 is configured to extend between first panel 54 andsecond panel 56 and is removably connected to frame 10 in such a mannerso as to not inhibit the installation, access to, or removal of theelectronic equipment in frame 10. Locking hinge assemblies, showngenerally at 62, on first panel 54 and a conventional plate and boltassembly, shown generally at 64, on second panel 56 allow triangularbracket 60 to be secured in place between first panel 54 and secondpanel 56.

[0033] Referring now to FIG. 7, triangular bracket 60 is shown ingreater detail. Triangular bracket 60 comprises a support element 66,which is hingeably attached to an upright surface of first panel 54 andis removably attached thereto using locking hinge assemblies 62 (shownbelow in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 8A through 8E).Retaining elements 68, of which there are usually two, as shown in theFigures, depend angularly from support element 66 in the same directionand converge on a plate 70 of plate and bolt assembly 64. Supportelement 66 and retaining elements 68 are dimensioned such that whensupport element 66 is properly attached to first panel 64, plate 70 ofplate and bolt assembly 64 is securable to second panel 56 at a pointintermediate the upper and lower ends of second panel 56.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 8A through 8E, various embodiments of lockinghinge assemblies 62 may be used to prevent triangular bracket 60 frombeing removed or from swinging open during a period when increasedvibratory forces act on frame 10. In each embodiment, a hinge 72, whichis a substantially L-shaped element, is pivotally received on avertically-projecting rod (not shown) of a mount plate 74 and issecurely fixed to support element 66. Mount plate 74 is secured to firstpanel 54 using conventional methods. In FIG. 8A, hinge 72 is preventedfrom being lifted off the vertically projecting rod and being removedfrom mount plate 74 by a locking bracket 76, which, when fixed to firstpanel 54 as shown and when triangular bracket 60 is in a closedposition, prevents the movement of hinge 72 in the direction of an arrow78. In a similar manner shown in FIG. 8B, hinge 72 is prevented fromremoval from mount plate 74 by a wide washer 80 secured to first panel54 using a bolt. In FIG. 8C, after hinge 72 is mounted on thevertically-projecting rod, a pin 82 perpendicularly fixed to supportelement 66 protrudes laterally into an opening (not shown) on a side ofmount plate 74 opposing the side from which the vertically-projectingrod extends. In such a configuration, mount plate 74 is entrappedbetween hinge 72 and pin 82, and triangular bracket 60 cannot be removedwithout first being swung open to allow pin 82 to be disengaged from theopening. In FIG. 8D, pin 82 is integrally formed with hinge 72 andfunctions similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8C. In FIG. 8E,pin 82 protrudes normally from the flat plane of hinge 72 that engagesfirst panel 54. Pin 82 extends from hinge 72 and into a hole (not shown)in first panel 54 and functions similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 8Cand 8D to prevent removal of triangular bracket 60 without firstswinging triangular bracket 60 open.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 9, tie down assemblies are shown generallyat 86 at two adjacent corners of frame 10. Tie down assemblies 86 allowfor the secure retention of frame 10 to the flooring surface in bothraised and non-raised floor applications. The configuration of tie downassemblies 86 are such that the installation hardware is easilyaccessible for removal or maintenance. The spacing of frame 10 from theflooring surface using a floor plate (shown below), furthermore,provides electrical and thermal isolation of frame 10 and electronicequipment.

[0036] Tie down assemblies 86 are structurally integrated into the lowerpart of frame 10 to secure frame 10 to the flooring surface and toprovide greater strength to frame 10 while maintaining the simplicity ofthe overall design. Tie down assembly 86 extends between two adjacentcorners of base member 46 of frame 10 and comprises a floor plate 88,leveling elements 90, bolts 92, first insulators 94, and secondinsulators 96. Floor plate 88 has threaded holes 98 drilled therein forthreadedly receiving bolts 92 is are preferably fabricated from amaterial that is electrically non-conductive. Floor plate 88 itself isinstalled directly on the flooring surface. To secure frame 10 to floorplate 88 using tie down assemblies 86, the shaft portions of bolts 92are inserted through a plurality of washers 100 and first insulators 94and through holes 102 in base member 46 from the frame side of basemember 46. First insulators 94 are retained on the shaft portions ofbolts 92 against the head portions of bolts 92. Second insulators 96 areinserted into leveling elements 90, which are then received on the shaftportions of bolts 92, that protrude through the floor plate side of basemember 46. Leveling elements 90, when properly received on the shaftportions of bolts 92 extend through holes 102 in base member 96 toreceive first insulators 94 therein. When first insulators 94 and secondinsulators 96 are properly received within leveling elements 90, bolts92 protrude from leveling elements 90 and are threadedly received inthreaded holes 98 drilled in floor plate 88. Washers 104 may be utilizedin the assembly process to properly space bolts 92 from base member 46and floor plate 88. A second tie down assembly 86 with a second floorplate 88 and hardware identical to the above tie down assembly 86extends between other adjacent corners of base member 46 of frame 10 tofurther secure frame 10 to the flooring surface.

[0037] While the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in theabove description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpretedas illustrative and not limiting in nature. Various modifications of thedisclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention,will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to thisdescription, or may be made without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined in the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A shippable frame structure/electronic equipment assembly,comprising: a base member rollably supported by a plurality of casters,said base member attachable to a tie down assembly system for securingsaid frame structure/electronic equipment assembly to a flooringsurface; a plurality of support members extending from said base member;a top portion disposed over end portions of said support members, saidtop portion having an extension member attachable thereto, saidextension member being extendable relative to said top portion; and aplurality of side stiffeners positioned between adjacent supportmembers.
 2. A shippable frame structure/electronic equipment assembly ofclaim 1 wherein said extension member further comprises at least one legextending therefrom.
 3. A shippable frame structure/electronic equipmentassembly of claim 2 wherein said at least one leg is two legs extendingin parallel to one another to communicate with said support members. 4.A shippable frame structure/electronic equipment assembly of claim 3wherein said two legs each define at least one slot for through passageof a fastener.
 5. A shippable frame structure/electronic equipmentassembly of claim 4 wherein said at least one slot includes a longdimension and a short dimension and is oriented with its long dimensionextending in a direction substantially parallel to at least one of saidsupport members.
 6. A shippable frame structure/electronic equipmentassembly of claim 4 wherein said at least one slot facilitates raisingand lowering of said extension member relative to said support members.7. A shippable frame structure/electronic equipment assembly of claim 1wherein said plurality of support members is four support membersarranged in parallel spaced relationship to one another.
 8. A shippableframe structure/electronic equipment assembly of claim 6 wherein whensaid extension member is lowered said assembly is 36 units EIA and whensaid extension member is raised it is greater than 36 units EIA.
 9. Ashippable frame structure/electronic equipment assembly of claim 6wherein when said extension member is raised said assembly is 42 unitsEIA.
 10. A shippable frame structure/electronic equipment assembly ofclaim 1 wherein said assembly is shippable while populated with attachedseparate equipment.
 11. A shippable frame structure/electronic equipmentassembly of claim 10 wherein said plurality of casters facilitatemovement of said frame onto and off of transport devices and movementlocally without removal of equipment attached thereto.
 12. A method fortransporting equipment comprising: populating a frame with saidequipment; loading said populated frame on a separate transport device;unloading said populated frame from said separate device; and depositingsaid populated frame at a delivery location.
 13. The method fortransporting of claim 12 wherein said frame includes casters forfacilitating rolling of said populated frame during loading, unloadingand depositing said populated frame.